Hello everyone,

this sunday I am going to check out, possibly buy, a 2005 GT with only 8k miles on it for $23,900.

Can you all give me some advice on possible problems spots or things to be on the look out for, trouble wise ?? this car will be a daily driver for me so I need something dependable.

thanks in advance....

PXDIG

 

i'd take it to a personal mechanic if you know one and have them look it over. you can also check to see with ford if the previous owner had any maintenance done through them, too. reciepts mean a lot to me when looking at a used car cause it shows it probably has been taken care of.

 

+1 on the mechanic


it is a newer car though, so it should be in good shape and still have the original warrenty

 

how many miles?


Mustang is a fun car, and that one should be a 5 speed, otherwise its not fun with an auto, unless auto is your thing.




Look for paint damage. Make sure there is no dings, scratches, or dents. If there are, then it worth less and you can negotiate down the price considerably (as long as you look very irritated by crappy paint). Think crappy paint = $3000 less minimum, because thats what it costs if you have to repaint it.


Depending on miles man, see if you can get Mach 1 or Cobra with similar miles and earlier model.

 

Due to the fact that it's a 2005 if it wasn't modded using aftermarket parts all of the service work if any should have been warrantied.

So get the VIN and call your local Ford dealership and see whats been done.

What options does it have if it was a $26,000 car new it isn't worth $23,900 with 8,000miles on it.

 

it is fully loaded, leather seats, 500 shaker, etc. The guy said he got every option there was.

Plus, here in AZ if you buy it from an individual and not a dealership you do NOT have to pay tax on it. So that really sweetens the pot since its an extra $1,500 in my pocket.

 

Any '06's left at dealerships in the area? I paid $10k under sticker for mine when it was in the model-year-closeout time of year.

 

Holy **** that must be nice, here in Nebraska we have taxes on private and dealer sales and major property taxes.

As for the GT you are looking at is it a Deluxe or Premium some dealers tried to raise the price by taking a deluxe and adding all of the options standard on the premium.

The Shaker 500 and leather was standard in Premium GT's but optional in Deluxes.

 

Take a look at the brake rotors, if theres a lot of wear (ridges, scratches, ect), it's been run hard (ecspecially with 8k miles)... As far as warrenty, if the oil hasn't been changed yet, it may not cover engine problems, so ask for receipts/proof of maintenence... High idle is another good one, it may mask over mis-fire and general problems... As above, if you got a mechanic, take it to him/her... Bring a friend, just for a second opinion... Good luck...

 

Check inside the rear wheel wells & see how much rubber is stuck to the inner liners from burnouts etc